Our network includes four hospitals, six outpatient centers, two cancer centers and 700 physicians at more than 160 affiliated locations stretching from Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County to the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Finding the right doctor is an important first step in managing your health and planning for your future. At LewisGale, you can choose from among the most experienced and highly trained physicians in their fields. We can help you make the best choice.

Prepare for Winter Driving

Winter may bring a beautiful, glistening white blanket of fresh snow ready for snowmen and sledding. The season for snow and ice can also be the season for traffic accidents, but you do not have to be a victim of winter storms. You can reduce your risk of an accident by preparing your vehicle, learning how to react if you are driving in slippery conditions, and knowing what to do if you are stranded or lost on the road. Here are some tips that can help.

Install Good Winter Tires

Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some areas require that vehicles be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Prepare a Winter Car Kit to Keep in Your Car

Must-haves for the Car

Windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal

Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels

Set of tire chains or traction mats

Booster/jumper cables

Flares

Small shovel

Flashlights with extra batteries

Small tools—pliers, wrench, screwdriver

Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag

Must-haves for Passengers

A cell phone to call for help. Be sure to have a cell phone charger in the car.

Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap

Several blankets

Sleeping bags

First aid kit with pocket knife

Bottled water

Necessary medications

Canned fruit and nuts (Choose cans with pull tabs or screw on caps.)

Non-electric can opener

Matches and a lighter

Extra newspapers for insulation

Plastic bags (for sanitation)

Cards, games, and puzzles

Other Helpful Hints

Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.

Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.

Let others know where you are going and what route you plan on taking.

Current driving conditions can often be found on many individual state's department of transportation website. You can also call 5-1-1 for updated national traffic information.

What to Do When Bad Weather Hits

Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain

Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain reduce visibility. Slow down and use your headlights. When roads are icy or slushy, allow plenty of room to slow down and stop—at least 3 times the normal distance to reach a full stop and avoid skidding. In icy conditions, it can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration. To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, switch into low gear early and allow your vehicle to slow down before gently braking. If your vehicle starts to skid, ease off the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly.

Fog

Fog drifts rapidly and is often patchy. Drive slowly and use your low beams. If visibility is really poor, use fog lights. You may have better visibility following the taillights of a vehicle in front of you, but do not drive too close. Crack the window so you can hear traffic around you. You can also use the line on the edge of the right lane to help guide you.

If You Get Stuck

If you find yourself stuck in snow or ice, do not continue to spin your wheels. Instead, pour sand, salt, or gravel around the drive wheels. Also, shovel snow away from the wheels and out from under the car to clear a path.

Surviving a Blizzard

Stay in the Car

Rescuers are more likely to find you in your car. Do not leave your car unless you can see a building to take shelter in. Blowing snow can distort distance, so be sure to know how far away the building really is. Even a close building may be difficult to get to in deep snow.

Display a Trouble Sign

Pull off the highway and turn on hazard lights. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood. If you are in a remote place, spell out HELP or SOS in an open area using rocks, tree branches, or other nearby objects. This can help rescue teams locate you.

Occasionally Run Engine to Keep Warm

Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

Do simple exercises to keep up your circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in 1 position for too long. If more than 1 person is in the car, take turns sleeping.

For warmth, huddle together. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Take turns sleeping. One person should always be awake to keep a lookout for rescue crews.

Avoid Overexertion

Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can bring on a
heart attack
or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

How to go on ice and snow. American Automobile Association website. Available at: http://newsroom.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/GoInSnowBrochure.pdf. Updated October 2010. Accessed February 10, 2015.